“Trent is versatile, he can play different positions,” he added, when asked about his long-term position. “It’s a good question and it’s not one for me to answer – the manager and the first-team staff will have their own thoughts on where they see his development.

“At the moment you just leave him alone, let him fly, don’t cut his wings, let him go and at the moment he’s going in the right direction.”

It has been a remarkable 12 months for Alexander-Arnold, who only made his first-team debut in the EFL Cup win over Tottenham in October.

He was handed his first league start at Old Trafford in January, putting in a good performance during the 1-1 draw against Manchester United.

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Hopes are high for the player, and Alexander-Arnold himself has spoken of his desire to captain the first team having worn the armband for the Reds at youth level.

Critchley praised his leadership qualities but pleaded for patience given his young age.

He said: “He was captain of the youth team, he obviously has something in him and about him that suggests he has leadership qualities.

“But again, he’s only 18 and let’s give the boy time. The manager is very good at that, he doesn’t put any pressure on them, Trent is spoken like that in the future but for now let’s just enjoy watching him play and seeing him develop.

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“I don’t think you ever know until you actually get that opportunity to play in the first team. The emergence of Trent, Ben (Woodburn), Ovie (Ejaria), Ryan Kent in pre season - it is very difficult to prepare you to walk out at Old Trafford in front of near 80,000.

“You think you know, you think when Trent makes his Premier League debut at United you think he’s going to be okay, but because he’s never been in that situation, you’re unsure.

“It’s up to the young players, grasp that opportunity and thrive in that environment, and Trent has gone and done that so far.”